Security device for a trailer hitch or similar article

Abstract

A security device for a trailer hitch or similar article which engages with an outwardly extending peripheral flange around the trailer hitch or similar article, and which includes an element which extends into a coupling opening in the trailer hitch or similar article, thus precluding removal of the security device from the trailer hitch or similar article. A padlock is utilized to deter unauthorized removal of the security device from the trailer hitch or similar article, and the security device includes means to protect the shackle of the padlock from unauthorized removal.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A security device for a trailer hitch, said trailer hitch having a peripheral flange and a coupling opening, comprising: a body member which engages with said peripheral flange of said trailer hitch to restrict vertical movement of said security device in relation to said trailer hitch, said body member having two downwardly extending, substantially parallel legs and a transverse web which extends between said legs;   a projection element which slides vertically between said legs of said body member for entering into said coupling opening in said trailer hitch to restrict horizontal movement of said security device in relation to said trailer hitch;   said transverse web includes a first opening;   said projection element includes a second opening such that when said projection element extends upwardly into said coupling opening, said first opening and said second opening are aligned;   a lock means extending through said first opening and through said second opening for removably retaining said projection element in position relative to said body member;   said lock means includes a shackle and a lock body and said shackle is removably retained within said lock body; and   said body member includes a shielding means for precluding access to said shackle when said shackle is secured through said first opening and through said second opening.   
     
     
       2. The security device for a trailer hitch of claim 1 wherein said body member includes at least one horizontally extending channel which slideably engages with said peripheral flange of said trailer hitch to restrict vertical movement of said security device in relation to said trailer hitch. 
     
     
       3. The security device for a trailer hitch of claim 2 wherein said body member includes two horizontally extending channels, said horizontally extending channels are substantially parallel along their entire length. 
     
     
       4. The security device for a trailer hitch of claim 2 wherein said body member includes two horizontally extending channels, said horizontally extending channels are parallel over a portion of their length and radially extend towards each other over a portion of their length. 
     
     
       5. The security device for a trailer hitch of claim 1 wherein said legs extend below said shackle when said shackle is retained within said lock body to preclude access to said shackle. 
     
     
       6. The security device for a trailer hitch of claim 1 wherein said body member includes at least one vertically extending channel such that said projection element is retained in said vertically extending channel to restrict horizontal movement of said projection element relative to said body member. 
     
     
       7. The security device for a trailer hitch of claim 6 wherein: said projection element has a first and a second vertical side edge;   said vertical side edge of said projection element includes a straight portion and a radius portion;   said vertically extending channel includes a straight portion and a radius portion; and   said straight portion and said radius portion of said vertical side edge of said projection element corresponds to said straight portion and said radius portion of said vertically extending channels to ensure proper orientation of said projection element in relation to said body member.   
     
     
       8. The security device for a trailer hitch of claim 7 wherein said projection element includes an enlarged head portion to preclude continued vertical downward movement of said projection element in relation to said body member at a predetermined location. 
     
     
       9. The security device for a trailer hitch of claim 1 wherein said lock means comprises a padlock. 
     
     
       10. The security device for a trailer hitch of claim 1 wherein said body member is fabricated as a cast iron casting.